Dynamic assignment of users in a multi-band network based on the antenna sector power ratio

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are provided for delaying a dynamic connection modification of a user device connection. A first frequency band is determined to have a greater sector power ratio (SPR) than a second frequency band. The first frequency band is determined to have a loading factor above a threshold. Based at least in part on the first frequency band having the greater SPR and the first frequency band having the loading factor above the threshold, a connection of the user device to the first frequency band for access for to a wireless communication protocol is delayed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority from, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/904,280, filed on Jun. 17, 2020, entitled“DYNAMIC ASSIGNMENT OF USERS IN A MULTI-BAND NETWORK BASED ON THEANTENNA SECTOR POWER RATIO,” which is hereby expressly incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed, in part, to dynamic assignment ofusers in a multi-band network based on an antenna sector power ratio(SPR), substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with atleast one of the figures, and as set forth more completely in theclaims.

In brief and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among otherthings, methods and systems for delaying a dynamic connectionmodification of a user device to a first frequency band for access to afirst wireless communication protocol. In aspects, the delay is based inpart on a determination that the first frequency band has a greater SPRthan a second frequency band. The delay is also based on anotherdetermination that the first frequency band has a first loading factorabove a threshold. As such, a connection of the user device connectionto the first frequency band is delayed.

In other aspects, it is determined that the first frequency band doesnot have the loading factor above the threshold. Based on thisdetermination, the connection of the user device is dynamically changedfrom the second frequency band to the first frequency band. Further, inother aspects, the user device may have entered within a connectionrange for both the first frequency band and the second frequency band.Based on a determination that the first frequency band has a higher SPRthan the second frequency band, and that the first frequency band has aloading factor higher than the threshold, the user device is connectedto the second frequency band.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used in isolation as an aid in determining the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present technology is described in detail below with reference tothe attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of an example computing environment suitablefor use in implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an example network environment in whichimplementations of the present disclosure may be employed;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example multiple frequency band environment inwhich implementations of the present disclosure may be employed;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example multiple frequency band environment inwhich implementations of the present disclosure may be employed;

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an example method for delaying adynamic change of a user device connection to the first frequency bandfor access to a first wireless communication protocol, in accordancewith implementations of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of an example method for determiningwhether to delay the dynamic change, in accordance with implementationsof the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present disclosure is describedwith specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent.Rather, it is contemplated that the claimed subject matter might beembodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations ofsteps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunctionwith other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms“step” and/or “block” may be used herein to connote different elementsof methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying anyparticular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unlessand except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.

Throughout this disclosure, several acronyms and shorthand notations areemployed to aid the understanding of certain concepts pertaining to theassociated system and services. These acronyms and shorthand notationsare intended to help provide an easy methodology of communicating theideas expressed herein and are not meant to limit the scope ofembodiments described in the present disclosure. The following is a listof these acronyms:

3G Third-Generation Wireless Technology 4G Fourth-Generation CellularCommunication System 5G Fifth-Generation Cellular Communication SystemCD-ROM Compact Disk Read Only Memory CDMA Code Division Multiple AccesseNodeB Evolved Node B GIS Geographic/Geographical/Geospatial InformationSystem gNodeB Next Generation Node B GSM Global System for Mobilecommunications DVD Digital Versatile Discs EEPROM Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read Only Memory FD-MIMO Full Dimensional Multiple InputMultiple Output HSDPA High Speed Downlink Packet Access LTE Long TermEvolution MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output mMIMO Massive MultipleInput Multiple Output MU-MIMO Multiple User Multiple Input MultipleOutput PC Personal Computer PDA Personal Digital Assistant RAM RandomAccess Memory RF Radio-Frequency RLFs Radio Link Failures ROM Read OnlyMemory SHF Super High Frequency SINRTransmission-to-Interference-Plus-Noise Ratio SMS Short Message ServiceSPR Sector Power Ratio UE User Equipment UHF Ultra High Frequency UMTSUniversal Mobile Telecommunications Systems VHF Very High FrequencyWCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access WiMAX WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access

Further, various technical terms are used throughout this description.An illustrative resource that fleshes out various aspects of these termscan be found in Newton's Telecom Dictionary, 31st Edition (2018).

Embodiments of the present technology may be embodied as, among otherthings, a method, system, or computer-program product. Accordingly, theembodiments may take the form of a hardware embodiment, or an embodimentcombining software and hardware. An embodiment takes the form of acomputer-program product that includes computer-useable instructionsembodied on one or more computer-readable media.

Computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatile media,removable and non-removable media, and contemplate media readable by adatabase, a switch, and various other network devices. Network switches,routers, and related components are conventional in nature, as are meansof communicating with the same. By way of example, and not limitation,computer-readable media comprise computer-storage media andcommunications media.

Computer-storage media, or machine-readable media, include mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storing information.Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions,data structures, program modules, and other data representations.Computer-storage media include, but are not limited to RAM, ROM, EEPROM,flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, holographic mediaor other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage, and other magnetic storage devices and may beconsidered transitory, non-transitory, or a combination of both. Thesememory components can store data momentarily, temporarily, orpermanently.

Communications media typically store computer-useable instructions,including data structures and program modules, in a modulated datasignal. The term “modulated data signal” refers to a propagated signalthat has one or more of its characteristics set or changed to encodeinformation in the signal. Communications media include anyinformation-delivery media. By way of example but not limitation,communications media include wired media, such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, infrared,radio, microwave, spread-spectrum, and other wireless mediatechnologies. Combinations of the above are included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

By way of background, wireless telecommunication networks provide accessfor a user device (e.g., a UE) to access one or more network services.In some cases, the desired network service may be a telecommunicationservice. In conventional systems, the device may communicate with thecell site and request or indicate that the device prefers to connectwith the cell site on a specific frequency band with a lower latency anda higher speed compared to other available frequency bands. For example,conventional systems automatically connect to 5G when in range of both5G and 4G. As another example, conventional systems automaticallyconnect to 5G when connected to 4G and come within range of 5G. In suchconventional systems, the cell site or network automatically initiatesaccess and communication with the device over the specific frequencyband. However, in certain scenarios, it may be desirable tostrategically delay access and communication with a device over thespecific frequency band for access and/or for communication with thenetwork. For example, UEs connecting to a particular frequency band witha high SPR (e.g., great than 3%, 5%, 10%) and a high loading volume areprovided with a lower quality connection experience. Continuing theexample, UEs already connected also experience a lower qualityconnection as more UEs connect to the same frequency band.

The systems and methods provided herein can alleviate one or more of theproblems discussed above. As one example, a delayed connection to afrequency band may be desirable when that frequency band has a high SPRor a high loading factor. For instance, in aspects, a system disclosedherein can delay a dynamic change of a user device connection from asecond frequency band to a first frequency band. The system may compriseone or more nodes, each of the one or more nodes configured towirelessly communicate with one or more user devices in a geographicservice area. The system may further comprise one or more processorsconfigured to perform operations. The operations may include determiningthat the first frequency band has a greater SPR than the secondfrequency band, determining that the first frequency band has a firstloading volume above a threshold, and delaying the dynamic change basedat least in part on these determinations.

In other aspects, one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediadisclosed herein can have computer-executable instructions embodiedthereon that, when executed, perform a method for delaying a connectionof a user device to a first frequency band. The method may comprisedetermining that the first frequency band has a greater SPR than asecond frequency band, determining a threshold for the first frequencyband based at least in part on a maximum capacity of user deviceconnections to the first frequency band, determining that the firstfrequency band has a loading factor above the threshold, and delaying(based at least in part on these determinations) the connection of theuser device to the first frequency band for access to a first wirelesscommunication protocol. As such, the method connects the user device tothe second frequency band or maintains the connection of the user devicewith the second frequency band.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method fordelaying a dynamic change of a computer device connection to a firstfrequency band. The method comprises determining whether the firstfrequency band has a greater SPR than the second frequency band anddetermining whether the first frequency band has a loading factor abovea threshold. If it is determined that the first frequency band has thegreater SPR and that the first frequency band has the loading factorabove the threshold, a dynamic change of the computer device connectionto the first frequency band is delayed. If it is determined that thefirst frequency band does not have the greater SPR and that the firstfrequency band does not have the loading factor above the threshold, thecomputer device connection is dynamically changed from the secondfrequency band to the first frequency band.

Being able to delay connections, as recited by the claims, provides avariety of technical benefits, including benefits for users. Forexample, on the network side, more network efficiencies are realized forboth the frequency band in which a connection is delayed and thefrequency band in which the device connects to or remains connected to.Users requesting connection to a particular frequency band and usersalready connected to the particular frequency band are provided withbetter overall connection experiences.

Turning now to FIG. 1 , an example of a network environment 100 suitablefor use in implementing embodiments of the present disclosure isprovided. The network environment 100 is but one example of a suitablenetwork environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as tothe scope of use or functionality of the disclosure. Neither should thenetwork environment 100 be interpreted as having any dependency orrequirement relating to any one or combination of componentsillustrated.

The network environment 100 includes a network 102 that provides serviceto current UE 104 and 106 and one or more legacy UE 108 and 110. Thenetwork 102 may be accessible through a base station 112 that isconnected to a backhaul server (not shown). The base station 112 and/ora computing device (e.g., whether local or remote) associated with thebase station 112 may manage or otherwise control the operations ofcomponents of a cell site, including an antenna array 116. The basestation 112 and/or the computing device associated with the base station112 may include one or more processors and computer-readable storagemedia having computer-executable instructions or computer instructionmodules embodied thereon for execution by one or more processors.

The antenna array 116 may radiate in a particular direction and thus maycorrespond to a particular sector of a cell site. The antenna array 116may have a plurality of antenna elements, in embodiments. In oneembodiment, the antenna array 116 is configured to have a plurality ofelements that in number, arrangement, and/or density, are configured formMIMO. In one such embodiment, the base station 112 may include a radioand/or a controller, such as a Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-OutputUnit for controlling a mMIMO configured antenna array, such as theantenna array 116 having a plurality of antenna elements. The basestation 112 may use the controller to monitor one or more of throughput,signal quality metrics (e.g., SINR), a quantity of uniqueusers/subscribers, a quantity of unique UE(s), and/or RLFs that occur atthe base station, all of which may be monitored dynamically and/or asstored in a data store.

The base station 112 may use a radio that is connected to the antennaarray 116 by a physical RF path, where the radio is used to cause theantenna array 116 to transmit radio-frequency signals using theplurality of antenna elements. The plurality of antenna elements in theantenna array 116 may include portions of antenna elements (not shown).In embodiments, the plurality of antenna elements of the antenna array116 may be partitioned such that a first portion of antenna elements maybe associated with, dedicated to, correspond to, and/or be configured tooperate using a first access technology, and a second portion of antennaelements may be associated with, dedicated to, correspond to, and/or beconfigured to operate using a second access technology. In oneembodiment, the plurality of antenna elements may be partitioned intounequal groups or alternatively “split” into equal halves, wherein eachgroup or half operates to provide a coverage area for a distinct accesstechnology when the antenna array 116 operates in a dual technologymode.

In some embodiments, the antenna array 116 is partitioned such that thefirst portion of antenna elements is associated with the first accesstechnology and the second portion of antenna elements is associated withthe second access technology. When the antenna array 116 is operating ina dual technology mode, each portion of the plurality of antennaelements may operate using only one distinct protocol and/or accesstechnology relative to the other portions in the antenna array, in someembodiments. In one example, a first portion of antenna elements mayoperate using 5G wireless access technology and the second portion ofantenna elements may operate using 4G wireless access technology.Additionally, it will be understood that the terms “first” and “second”are used herein for the purposes of clarity in distinguishing portionsof antenna elements from one another, but the terms are not used hereinto limit the sequence, relevance, number of portions, technologicalfunctions, and/or operations of each portion unless specifically andexplicitly stated as such.

As such, the base station 112 may provide current UE 104 and 106 andlegacy UE 108 and 110 with access to the network 102, in embodiments. Insome embodiments, the first portion of antenna elements may communicatewith current UE 104 and 106 using 5G technology and the second portionof the antenna elements may communicate with legacy UE 108 and 110 using4G technology. When operating in the dual technology mode, the antennaarray 116 may concurrently connect to and communicate with the currentUE 104 and 106 and legacy UE 108 and 110 using, respectively, at leasttwo distinct access technologies.

Accordingly, in one example, when the antenna array 116 is operating inthe dual technology mode, the base station 112 concurrently acts aneNodeB (or “eNB”) and gNodeB (or “gNB”). As such, the base station 112may provide service to one or more access technologies to both currentand legacy UE. In addition to communicating with the current UE 104 and106 and the legacy UE 108 and 110, the base station 112 may alsocommunicate with one or more neighboring base stations. In someembodiments, the base station 112 may communicate with neighboring basestation 120 using the first access technology and may communicate withanother neighboring base station 122 using the second access technology.For example, because the base station 112 may operate concurrently as aneNodeB and a gNodeB using the antenna array 116 that is partitioned andoperating in a dual technology mode, the base station 112 maycommunicate with other base stations, for example, including legacy basestations that cannot use current access technologies (e.g., 5G) orcurrent base stations that lack backward compatibility with prior accesstechnologies (e.g., 4G). In embodiments, the base station 112 maybi-directionally exchange information with neighboring base stations 120and 122 through an X2 interface or X2 link. Information regarding signalquality, RF conditions, one or more RLFs, and SINR levels at each of theneighboring base stations 120 and 122, and/or as reported from UE to theneighboring base stations 120 and 122 may be communicated to the basestation 112 via the X2 link. Additionally or alternatively, informationregarding signal quality, RLFs, and SINR levels at each of theneighboring base stations 120 and 122 may be communicated to the basestation 112 over the backhaul.

As mentioned, the base station 112 may include a radio and/or acontroller, such as an MMU, that enables the base station 112 to adjustor modify the operations and transmissions of the plurality of antennaelements in the antenna array 116. In embodiments, the operations,configurations, and/or settings of each antenna element may beindividually controlled and adjusted by the base station 112 using thecontroller. In some embodiments, the operations, configurations, and/orsettings of the first portion of antenna elements may be controlled andadjusted as a group by the base station 112 using a controller, such asan MMU, independent of the second portion of antenna elements. In asimilar fashion, the operations, configurations, and/or settings of thesecond portion of antenna elements may be controlled and adjusted as agroup by the base station 112 using the controller, independent of thefirst portion of antenna elements. Accordingly, the base station 112 mayuse a controller to independently adjust different groups or portions ofantenna elements within one antenna array.

In embodiments, the operations, configurations, and/or settings of eachindividual antenna element may be adjusted and customized. For example,the base station 112 instructs a portion of antenna elements to transmitone or more synchronization signals using a periodicity. In anotherexample, the portion of antenna elements may transmit a plurality ofsynchronization signals using the periodicity, as instructed by the basestation 112. The synchronization signals may be specific to and/orconfigured for the first access technology, in embodiments.

Accordingly, the base station 112 may use a controller to independentlyadjust different individual antenna elements, any number of groupingsand/or subset(s) of each portion of antenna elements, and/or portions ofantenna elements within one antenna array. In embodiments, the basestation 112 may use a controller to measure and monitor one or more ofthroughput, signal quality metrics (e.g., SINR), a quantity of uniqueusers/subscribers, a quantity of unique UE, and/or RLFs.

Turning now to FIG. 2 , network environment 200 is an exemplary networkenvironment in which implementations of the present disclosure may beemployed. Network environment 200 is one example of a suitable networkenvironment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to thescope of use or functionality of the present disclosure. Neither shouldthe network environment be interpreted as having any dependency orrequirement relating to any one or combination of componentsillustrated.

Network environment 200 includes UE 202 (network environment 200 maycontain more UEs), network 208, database 210, dynamic assignor 212, andcell site 214. In the network environment 200, UE 202 may take on avariety of forms, such as a PC, a user device, a smart phone, a smartwatch, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a mobile device, a tabletcomputer, a wearable computer, a PDA, a server, a CD player, an MP3player, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a video player, ahandheld communications device, a workstation, a router, an accesspoint, and any combination of these delineated devices, or any otherdevice that communicates via wireless communications with a cell site214 in order to interact with network 208, which may be a public or aprivate network.

In some aspects, the UE 202 corresponds to a user device or a computingdevice. For example, the user device may include a display(s), a powersource(s) (e.g., a battery), a data store(s), a speaker(s), memory, abuffer(s), a radio(s) and the like. In some implementations, the UE 202comprises a wireless or mobile device with which a wirelesstelecommunication network(s) may be utilized for communication (e.g.,voice and/or data communication). In this regard, the user device may beany mobile computing device that communicates by way of a wirelessnetwork, for example, a 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, CDMA, or any other type ofnetwork.

In some cases, the UE 202 in network environment 200 may optionallyutilize network 208 to communicate with other computing devices (e.g., amobile device(s), a server(s), a personal computer(s), etc.) throughcell site 214. The network 208 may be a telecommunications network(s),or a portion thereof. A telecommunications network might include anarray of devices or components (e.g., one or more base stations), someof which are not shown. Those devices or components may form networkenvironments similar to what is shown in FIG. 2 , and may also performmethods in accordance with the present disclosure. Components such asterminals, links, and nodes (as well as other components) may provideconnectivity in various implementations. Network 208 may includemultiple networks, as well as being a network of networks, but is shownin more simple form so as to not obscure other aspects of the presentdisclosure.

Network 208 may be part of a telecommunication network that connectssubscribers to their service provider. In aspects, the service providermay be a telecommunications service provider, an internet serviceprovider, or any other similar service provider that provides at leastone of voice telecommunications and data services to UE 202 and anyother UEs. For example, network 208 may be associated with atelecommunications provider that provides services (e.g., LTE) to the UE202. Additionally or alternatively, network 208 may provide voice, SMS,and/or data services to user devices or corresponding users that areregistered or subscribed to utilize the services provided by atelecommunications provider. Network 208 may comprise any communicationnetwork providing voice, SMS, and/or data service(s), using any one ormore communication protocols, such as a 1×circuit voice, a 3G network(e.g., CDMA, CDMA2000, WCDMA, GSM, UMTS), a 4G network (WiMAX, LTE,HSDPA), or a 5G network. The network 208 may also be, in whole or inpart, or have characteristics of, a self-optimizing network.

In some implementations, cell site 214 is configured to communicate withthe UE 202 that is located within the geographical area defined by atransmission range and/or receiving range of the radio antennas of cellsite 214. The geographical area may be referred to as the “coveragearea” of the cell site or simply the “cell,” as used interchangeablyhereinafter. Cell site 214 may include one or more base stations, basetransmitter stations, radios, antennas, antenna arrays, poweramplifiers, transmitters/receivers, digital signal processors, controlelectronics, GPS equipment, and the like. In particular, cell site 214may be configured to wirelessly communicate with devices within adefined and limited geographical area. For the purposes of the presentdisclosure, it may be assumed that it is undesirable and unintended bythe network 208 that the cell site 214 provide wireless connectivity tothe UE 202 when the UE 202 is geographically situated outside of thecell associated with cell site 214.

In an exemplary aspect, the cell site 214 comprises a base station thatserves at least one sector of the cell associated with the cell site214, and at least one transmit antenna for propagating a signal from thebase station to one or more of the UE 202. In other aspects, the cellsite 214 may comprise multiple base stations and/or multiple transmitantennas for each of the one or more base stations, any one or more ofwhich may serve at least a portion of the cell. In some aspects, thecell site 214 may comprise one or more macro cells (providing wirelesscoverage for users within a large geographic area) or it may be a smallcell (providing wireless coverage for users within a small geographicarea). For example, macro cells may correspond to a coverage area havinga radius of approximately 1-15 miles or more, the radius measured atground level and extending outward from an antenna at the cell site. Inanother example, a small cell may correspond to a coverage area having aradius of approximately less than three miles, the radius measured atground level and extending outward from an antenna at the cell site.

As shown, cell site 214 is in communication with the dynamic assignor212, which comprises a receiver 216, a detector 218, a determiner 220,an analyzer 222, and a delay controller 224. The dynamic assignor 212may connect UE 202 and other UEs to frequency bands within range of theUE 202 or other UEs for access to network 208. The dynamic assignor 212may also delay or prevent UE 202 connection to a frequency band foraccess to network 208. The dynamic assignor 212 may communicate with thedatabase 210 for storing and retrieving data.

For example, the receiver 216 may retrieve data from the UE 202, thenetwork 208, the database 210, and the cell site 214. In someembodiments, the receiver 216 may receive requests from UEs for accessto a particular frequency band. Further, data the receiver 216 mayaccess includes, but is not limited to, location information of the UE202 and channel quality information. Location information may compriseGPS or other satellite location services, terrestrial triangulation, anaccess point location, or any other means of obtaining coarse or finelocation information. The location information may indicate geographiclocation(s) of one or more of a user device, an antenna, a cell tower, acell site, and/or a coverage area of a cell site, for example. Channelquality information may indicate the quality of communications betweenone or more user devices and a particular cell site. For example,channel quality information may quantify how communications aretraveling over a particular communication channel quality, thusindicating when communications performance is negatively impacted orimpaired. As such, channel quality information may indicate a realizeduplink and/or downlink transmission data rate of a cell site and/or eachof one or more user devices communicating with the cell site, observedSINK and/or signal strength at the user device(s), or throughput of theconnection between the cell site and the user device(s). Location andchannel quality information may take into account the UEs' capability,such as the number of antennas of the user device and the type ofreceiver used by the user device for detection. The receiver 216 mayalso be configured to receive information from cell sites other thancell site 214 or other processors and/or servers.

The receiver 216 may also access SPR. An SPR is a measure of anantenna's ability to minimize interference. SPR describes a RF powerthat is radiated outside of an antenna array's sector relative to a RFpower that is radiated and retained within the antenna array's sector.Because SPR is a ratio, SPR may be represented using a percentage valueor numerical value. An example of a low SPR value is 3-4% and an exampleof a high SPR value is 8-10%. Antennas with greater spillover areas havegreater SPR values. SPR information may be used for dynamicallycombatting interference and noise at cell site 214. Additionally, theSPR values of cell site antennas may be used for selection andassignment of specific frequency bands to component carriers of UEs in atelecommunications environment.

Increased or high SPR values have negative impacts, which areexacerbated in LTE environments that allow and facilitate multiplefrequency bands and carrier aggregation for combining multiple frequencybands for uplink and/or downlink communications. Negative impacts thathigh-powered, undesired RF radiation at a cell site causes may bereduced or mitigated by assigning a frequency band of low-SPR antennasto a primary component carrier of a UE. For example, a frequency bandthat corresponds to a low-SPR antenna may be assigned to the primarycomponent carrier of an inter-carrier aggregation capable device that isgeographically located at or near radio frequency “spillover” areas(i.e., radiation outside of an antenna's desired sector at a cell site)and which is experiencing lower throughput.

Additionally, SPR quantifies the power of RF radiation that is outsideof the sector of an antenna relative to the power of the RF radiationradiated within the same sector of the same antenna. As such, the SPRrepresents the power of the undesired RF signal relative to the power ofthe desired RF signal, for a particular antenna. Accordingly, SPR is ameasure of power and undesired RF radiation refers to an amount of powerof the undesired RF radiation. Thus, as undesired RF spillover of anantenna increases, the SPR of the same antenna increases and vice versa,when all other factors are controlled. As undesired RF spillover and SPRincrease, interference and noise increase at the cell site 214. Due tothese measures, SPR may be used as a predictor, indictor, and/or measureof an antenna's likelihood of causing interference and noise, or actualcausation of interference and noise. SPR may be affected by orientation(i.e., how the service coverage area has been partitioned into sectors),electrical tilt, mechanical tilt, carrier band associated with anantenna, technical operating specifications of an antenna, manufacturingand materials of an antenna, environmental conditions (i.e., weather,heat, wear and tear), and power supplied to an antenna, for example.

Further, SPR for an antenna may be calculated using RF radiationpatterns. For example, the SPR of the antenna accounts for the power ofits undesired RF signal relative to the power of the desired RF signal.The SPR of the antenna quantifies the amount of power of the undesiredRF radiation contributed by the antenna to areas relative to the amountof power of the desired RF radiation in a sector of the antenna. Due tospillover among various antennas, certain areas experience the presenceof interference and noise.

Turning to detector 218, the detector 218 may detect UEs within a range,frequency bands, SPRs of frequency bands, and loading factors (e.g.loading volume) corresponding to frequency bands, etc. Loading factorsmay change depending upon the day and time of day (e.g. world eventssuch as natural disasters, terror attacks, pandemics, or religiousholiday may prompt surges of UE traffic to or from specific locations),and may be stored in the database 210. Loading factors may include cellsite 214 heat signature information, cell site 214 component performanceinformation, channel quality information, or processor loadmeasurements. Factors affecting the heat signature information of thecell site 214 include component model, component type, manufacturer, ageof a component, wear and tear due to environmental factors, etc.Further, loading factors may also include an amount of current, backhaultraffic, or an anticipated current or backhaul traffic. Additionally,factors affecting loading volume may include a quantity of usersconnected to a frequency band or antenna properties at a time ofreceiving communication parameters from UEs connected to the frequencyband. Other factors affecting loading volume may also include a capacityof the frequency band and data received from the quantity of usersconnected to the frequency band. The data received from the quantity ofusers may comprise a rate at which UEs are connected to and disconnectedfrom the frequency band.

Detector 218 may also detect wireless communication protocols andwireless telecommunications networks associated with particularfrequency bands. For example, the detector 218 may detect a firstwireless communication protocol of a first frequency band is a 5Gwireless communication protocol and a second wireless communicationprotocol of a second frequency band is a 4G wireless communicationprotocol. Additionally, the detector 218 may detect a third wirelesscommunication protocol of a third frequency band comprises both a 5G anda 4G wireless communication protocol.

Turning to determiner 220, the determiner 220 may determine a frequencyband corresponding to the antenna has the lowest SPR at the cell siterelative to all other frequency bands at the cell site. In someembodiments, a frequency band corresponding to one antenna may have anSPR value that is less than an SPR value of another adjacent antenna atthe cell site. Determiner 220 determines the SPR of a first frequencyband is higher than at least one other frequency band at the cell site214. The determiner 220 may also compare the SPR of a first frequencyband to other frequency bands at other cell sites.

Determiner 220 may also determine whether the frequency bands have aloading factor or a loading volume above a threshold. This determinationmay be based on a network-loading evaluation at a particular time or acombination of network-loading evaluations. As one example, thedeterminer 220 may determine an amount of data queued for transmissionby a frequency band on a backhaul is above the threshold. Further, thisdetermination may be based on a quantity of UEs communicating with anaccess node representative of an eNodeB or availability of uplinkresources corresponding to the frequency band. Furthermore, thisdetermination may be made at least in part on communication signals fora UE requesting access for communication with the frequency band andhistorical loading data of UEs for the frequency band or a combinationof frequency bands.

Determiner 220 may also determine the threshold. For example, thethreshold may be based at least in part on a maximum capacity of UEconnections to a particular frequency band. The threshold may also bedetermined based on a comparison of a first loading volume for a firstfrequency band with a first maximum capacity and a comparison of asecond loading volume for a second frequency band with a second maximumcapacity, the second frequency band being the frequency band the UE isconnected to, and wherein the UE is requesting access to the firstfrequency band. The threshold of a particular frequency band may be amaximum quantity of UEs connected to the particular frequency band. Thethreshold may change based on antenna elements of the correspondingantenna array and frequency band. The threshold may also change based onthe historical data of access resources on particular days and times ofthe days.

Because SPR values may be affected by orientation (i.e., how the servicecoverage area has been partitioned into sectors), electric tilt,mechanical tilt, specific frequencies of a carrier band associated withan antenna, technical operating specifications of an antenna,manufacturing and materials of an antenna, environmental conditions, andpower supplied to an antenna, the determiner 220 may dynamicallydetermine SPR values of antennas at the cell site 214 when a UE entersthe service coverage area of the cell site. Alternatively, determiner220 may determine SPR values of the antennas at the cell site 214periodically, the dynamic assignor 212 storing the SPR values in thedatabase 210 at the base station controlling the cell site 214. StoredSPR values may be referenced when a UE enters a service coverage area ofthe cell site 214. Additionally or alternatively, SPR values of theantennas at the cell site 214 may be determined for individual antennaswhen each antenna is installed at the cell site and stored in database210 at the base station controlling the cell site 214. In this way,dynamically determined or periodically updated SPR values may becompared, for example, by the base station to an initial or installationSPR value so that the performance of each antenna can be monitored, forexample.

Analyzer 222 may compare a loading volume for a frequency band with amaximum capacity of the frequency band. The analyzer 222 may compare,graph, assess, and generate tables using the historical information ofSPR values and loading factors corresponding to frequency bands overtime. Accordingly, the analyzer 222 may use this information forpredicting whether a delay of a dynamic change of UE connection to afrequency band or a delay of a connection of a UE to the frequency bandwill occur at a certain time on a certain day. Further, the analyzer 222may use this information for predicting a range of a loading factor at acertain time on a certain day. Furthermore, the analyzer 222 may usethis information for predicting an SPR value or range for a particularfrequency band at a particular day or time of the day. Additionally, theanalyzer 222 may analyze the historical information for improvingthreshold values at various times.

Lastly, delay controller 224 may delay a dynamic change of a computerdevice connection to a first frequency band for communication with afirst wireless communication protocol. Continuing the example, the delaymay be based at least in part on the first frequency band having agreater SPR than another frequency band and the first frequency bandhaving a loading factor above a threshold. Further, the delay controller224 may delay a connection of a UE to the first frequency band foraccess to the first wireless communication protocol and connect the UEto a second frequency band having a lower SPR than the first frequencyband. Furthermore, the delay controller 224 may delay a dynamic changeof a user device connection to the first frequency band for access tothe first wireless communication protocol. Continuing the example, thedelay may be based at least in part on the first frequency band having ahigh SPR and the first frequency band having a loading volume above athreshold.

Turning now to FIG. 3 , exemplary multiple frequency band environment300 comprises cell site 302, a first antenna array 303, one or moreantennas 304, a first frequency band 306, a second frequency band 308,and a third frequency band 310. As can be seen in the aspect depicted inFIG. 3 , the first antenna array 303 includes the one or more antennas304. In aspects, the one or more antennas 304 may be dipole antennas,having a length, for example, of ¼, ½, 1, or 1½ wavelength. In aspects,the first antenna array 303 may be an active antenna array, FD-MIMO,massive MIMO, 3G, 4G, 5G, and/or 802.11. While we refer to dipoleantennas herein, in other aspects, the one or more antennas 304 may bemonopole, loop, parabolic, traveling-wave, aperture, yagi-uda, conicalspiral, helical, conical, radomes, horn, and/or apertures, or anycombination thereof. It is noted that adjusting one or more individualpower supplies to the one or more antennas 304 of the first antennaarray 303 may be applicable to an antenna array comprising any type ofantenna targeting any portion of the RF spectrum (though any lower thanVHF may be size prohibitive). In one aspect, the one or more antennas304 may be configured to communicate in the UHF and/or SHF spectrum, forexample, in the range of 1.3 GHz 30 GHz.

By way of a non-limiting example, the first antenna array 303 maycomprise 64 antenna elements 304 arranged in an 8×8 structure. In otheraspects, the first antenna array 303 may comprise antenna elementsarranged in an 8×4, 4×8, or 4×4 configuration. Each antenna element 304of the first antenna array 303 comprises a dedicated power supply havinga certain phase and amplitude to a respective antenna element 304. In anaspect, the power supply comprises a power amplifier. In an aspect notdepicted in the figures, the base station may further comprise aprocessor. The processor may be any one or more processors, servers,computer processing components, or the like. In some aspects, theprocessor may be communicatively coupled to each node and/or to eachantenna of each node.

In certain aspects, the first antenna array 303 may communicate or iscapable of communicating with devices, using a 5G wireless communicationprotocol. While in this example, 5G is mentioned as a wirelesscommunication protocol, it should be understood that any wirelesscommunication protocol standard may be utilized for example, 3G, 4G,LTE, 5G, 802.11, or any other operator-elected wireless communicationprotocol standard. In the aspect depicted in FIG. 3 , the first antennaarray 303 can include 64 antenna elements each with a distinct directionwhich may be known, and where each antenna element is capable ofcommunicating with one or more devices, e.g., using one or more specificbeams, each identifiable as a beam index, as referred to herein, inaspects. In the same or alternative aspects, a device may communicatewith more than one antenna element of the first antenna array 303. Inaspects, using the methods and systems disclosed herein with ahigh-density antenna array, such as the first antenna array 303, andusing a 5G wireless communication protocol as an example, can facilitatethe strategic assignment of beam indices and/or allotment of beamindices tailored for a specific purpose or environment.

In some embodiments, the receiver 216, in communication with the cellsite 302, may detect when a UE enters an area covered by one or moreantenna elements of an antenna array, e.g., the first antenna array 303of the cell site 302 of FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, UEs may detectand/or measure one or more signals, e.g., synchronizations signals, fromthe antenna array when entering an area covered by the one or moreantenna elements of the antenna array. As one example, UE 318 may haveconnection with the second frequency band 308 and UE 320 may haveconnection with the third frequency band 310. Continuing the example,receiver 216 may receive, from UE 318 and UE 320, an inquiry forconnecting to the first frequency band 306. In some aspects, the inquirymay include an identification of one or more preferred beam indicesidentified by the UE 318 or UE 320 for connection to the first frequencyband 306. In various aspects, the inquiry may optionally also includesignal strength values for each of the one or more identified beamindices. Further, as discussed above, the inquiry can include additionalinformation associated with the UE 318 or UE 320, such as one or moreidentifiers associated with the UE 318 or UE 320.

By way of example, as depicted by FIG. 3 , detector 218 may detect thatthe first frequency band 306 has a high loading volume due to a highnumber of UEs 326 connected to the first frequency band 306. Further,determiner 220 may determine that both the second frequency band 308 andthe third frequency band 310 have lower SPRs than the first frequencyband 306. Furthermore, determiner 220 may determine that the loadingvolume of the first frequency band 306 is above a threshold.Accordingly, the UE 318 and UE 320 connection to the first frequencyband 306 would be delayed. A dynamic change of the UE 318 connectionfrom the second frequency band 308 to the first frequency band 306 andthe UE 320 connection from the third frequency band 310 to the firstfrequency band 306 for access to a first wireless communication protocolwould occur, for example, when the loading volume of the first frequencyband 306 is at or below the threshold.

The order in which UE 318 or UE 320 connects to the first frequency band306, when the loading volume of the first frequency band 306 is at orbelow the threshold, may depend upon the earliest time in which theinquiry for connecting to the first frequency band 306 was received. Forexample, if UE 318 inquired for connection to the first frequency band306 before UE 320 inquired, UE 318 may connect to the first frequencyband 306 before UE 320. In other embodiments, the UE 320 may connect tothe first frequency band 306 before UE 318 because UE 320 is receiving astronger signal from the first frequency band 306 than UE 318. In otherembodiments, UE 318 may connect to the first frequency band 306 beforeUE 320 because the UE 318 inquiry comprised a request for less datausage than the inquiry from UE 320. In other embodiments, UE 318 mayconnect to the first frequency band 306 before UE 320 because UE 318 hasa higher capability than UE 320 (e.g. UE 318 has a greater number ofantennas and a better quality receiver). In other embodiments, UE 318may connect to the first frequency band 306 before UE 320 because the UE318 has a stronger SINR and/or signal strength at the UE 318, or astronger throughput of the connection with the cell site 214. In otherembodiments, UE 318 and UE 320 may connect to the first frequency band306 at the same time.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , exemplary multiple frequency band environment400 comprises cell site 402, a first frequency band 406 and a secondfrequency band 408. First, it is determined that the first frequencyband 406 has a greater SPR than the second frequency band 408 and thatthe first frequency band has a loading factor at or below a threshold.The threshold relating to the loading factor, in some embodiments, isbased on a number of UEs connected with the first frequency band 406, anumber of UEs connected with the first frequency band 406 compared witha maximum capacity of the first frequency band 406, a power levelcorresponding to the first frequency band 406, a comparison of the powerlevel of the first frequency band 406 to a total power level of thefirst frequency band 406 and the second frequency band 408, a number ofUEs communicating with a wireless access node corresponding to the firstfrequency band 406 during a time range, a signaling load quantification(including an instantaneous signaling load level, an average signalingload level, or other type of signaling load representation), aninterference quantification, a noise quantification, or combinationsthereof.

Based at least in part on the determination that the first frequencyband 406 does not have the loading factor above the threshold, UE 418connection to the second frequency band 408 is dynamically changed tothe first frequency band 406. Accordingly, UE 416 (previously UE 418during its connection to the second frequency band 408) is now connectedto the first frequency band 406 for access to a first wirelesscommunication protocol. In some embodiments, the first frequency band406 supports at least two radio-accessible technologies and the secondfrequency band 408 supports one radio-accessible technology. In someembodiments, the first wireless communication protocol of the firstfrequency band 406 is a 5G wireless communication protocol and a secondwireless communication protocol of the second frequency band 408 is a 4Gwireless communication protocol.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , flow diagram 500 comprises an exemplary methodfor delaying a dynamic change of a user device connection from a secondfrequency band to a first frequency band. Initially at block 502, afirst frequency band is determined to have a greater SPR than a secondfrequency band. The determination may occur in response to an inquiryfrom a UE for connecting to the first frequency band 306. At block 504,a first frequency band is determined to have a loading volume above athreshold. The determination may occur in response to an inquiry from aUE for connecting to the first frequency band 306. The loading volumemay be determined based on a quantity of users connected to the firstfrequency band, based on antenna properties at a time of receivingcommunication parameters from user devices connected to the firstfrequency band, based on a capacity of the first frequency band and datareceived from the quantity of users connected to the first frequencyband, or based on a comparison with a maximum capacity. For example, afirst loading volume for the first frequency band may be compared to afirst maximum and a second loading volume for a second frequency bandmay be compared to a second maximum capacity. Additionally, a firstloading volume for the first frequency band at a first time of a firstday may be compared to a second loading volume for the first frequencyband at a second time of the first day and at a third time of a secondday. At block 506, a dynamic change of a user device connection to thefirst frequency band for access to a first wireless communicationprotocol is delayed.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , flow diagram 600 comprises an exemplary methodfor determining whether to delay the dynamic change. Initially at block602, a first frequency band is determined to have a greater SPR than asecond frequency band. At block 604, a determination is made as towhether the first frequency band has a loading factor above a threshold.At block 606, if the loading factor is above the threshold, a computerdevice connection is delayed from changing to the first frequency bandfor communication with a first wireless communication protocol. At block608, if the loading factor is not above the threshold, the computerdevice connection is dynamically changed from the second frequency bandto the first frequency band. The loading factor corresponding to accessresources comprising data sessions, voice calls, data quantities, andtext message traffic. Additionally, the threshold changes based onantenna elements of an antenna array corresponding to the firstfrequency band. Further, a change to the threshold based on historicaldata of access resources on particular days and times of the days may bepredicted.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the scopeof the claims below. Embodiments of our technology have been describedwith the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternativeembodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after andbecause of reading it. Alternative means of implementing theaforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of theclaims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility andmay be employed without reference to other features and subcombinationsand are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for delaying a dynamic connectionmodification of a user device to a first frequency band, the systemcomprising: a base station configured to wirelessly communicate with oneor more user devices in a geographic service area via at least oneantenna array; and one or more processors of the base station configuredto perform operations comprising: determine that the first frequencyband has a greater sector power ratio (SPR) than a second frequencyband, the greater SPR associated with the at least one antenna array,the first frequency band and the second frequency band each supportingat least one radio-accessible technology; determine that the firstfrequency band has a first loading factor above a threshold, the firstloading factor also corresponding to the at least one antenna array;delay, based at least in part on the first frequency band having thegreater SPR and the first frequency band having the first loading factorabove the threshold, a dynamic connection of the user device to thefirst frequency band for access to a first wireless communicationprotocol; and connect the user device to the second frequency band ormaintain a connection of the user device with the second frequency band.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first wireless communicationprotocol of the first frequency band is a 5G wireless communicationprotocol.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein a second wirelesscommunication protocol of the second frequency band is a 4G wirelesscommunication protocol.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the firstwireless communication protocol of the first frequency band comprisesboth a 5G and a 4G wireless communication protocol.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first loading factor is determined based on aquantity of users connected to the first frequency band.
 6. The systemof claim 1, wherein the first loading factor is determined based onantenna properties of the at least one antenna array at a time ofreceiving communication parameters from user devices connected to thefirst frequency band.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the firstloading factor is determined based on a capacity of the first frequencyband and data received from the quantity of users connected to the firstfrequency band.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the data received fromthe quantity of users comprises a rate at which user devices areconnected to and disconnected from the first frequency band.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: determine a second loading factorfor the second frequency band; compare the first loading factor for thefirst frequency band with a first maximum capacity; compare the secondloading factor for the second frequency band with a second maximumcapacity; and based on the comparisons, determine the threshold.
 10. Oneor more non-transitory computer-readable media havingcomputer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed,perform a method for delaying a dynamic connection modification of auser device to a first frequency band, the method comprising:determining that the first frequency band has a greater sector powerratio (SPR) than a second frequency band, the greater SPR associatedwith an antenna array, the first frequency band and the second frequencyband each supporting at least one radio-accessible technology;determining that the first frequency band has a loading factor, thatcorresponds to at least one antenna of a base station, above athreshold; delaying, based at least in part on the first frequency bandhaving the greater SPR and the first frequency band having the loadingfactor above the threshold, a dynamic connection of the user device tothe first frequency band; and connecting the user device to the secondfrequency band or maintain a connection of the user device with thesecond frequency band for accessing a wireless communication protocol.11. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 10,wherein the first frequency band supports at least two radio-accessibletechnologies and the second frequency band supports one radio-accessibletechnology.
 12. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediaof claim 10, wherein the SPR of the first frequency band is 8-10 percentand the SPR of the second frequency band is 3-4 percent.
 13. The one ormore non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 10, wherein theloading factor is determined based on historical loading data of userdevices for the antenna array.
 14. The one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media of claim 13, further comprising receiving arequest from the user device for access to the first frequency bandprior to determining the first frequency band has the loading factorabove the threshold and prior to determining the first frequency bandhad the greater SPR.
 15. The one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media of claim 11, further comprising delaying thedynamic connection to the first frequency band until the loading factoris below the threshold, and wherein the threshold is a maximum quantityof user devices connected to the first frequency band.
 16. A method fordelaying a dynamic connection modification of a user device to a firstfrequency band, the method comprising: determining that the firstfrequency band has a greater sector power ratio (SPR) than a secondfrequency band, the SPR associated with an antenna array, the firstfrequency band and the second frequency band each supporting at leastone radio-accessible technology; determining that the first frequencyband has a loading factor, that corresponds to at least one antenna of abase station, above a threshold; delaying a dynamic connection of theuser device to the first frequency band, the delaying based at least inpart on the first frequency band having the greater SPR and the firstfrequency band having the loading factor above the threshold; andconnecting the user device to the second frequency band or maintaining aconnection of the user device with the second frequency band.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, further comprising: detecting that the user deviceis within range for connection to the first frequency band; determiningthat the first frequency band does not have the loading factor above thethreshold at a time after connecting the user device to the secondfrequency band or maintaining a connection of the user device; anddynamically changing the user device from the second frequency band tothe first frequency band based on the first frequency band not havingthe loading factor above the threshold.
 18. The method of claim 16,wherein the loading factor corresponds to access resources comprisingdata sessions, voice calls, data quantities, and text message traffic.19. The method of claim 16, wherein the threshold changes based onsignal quality metrics associated with antenna elements of the antennaarray.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising predicting achange to the threshold based on historical data of access resources onparticular days and times of the days.